Running without music…the anti-playlist

I know there are many people who run dependent on their iPods. I don’t hold anything against you for that, and I am not trying to say that if you do this, you are a bad, bad person. I am just reflecting on why I don’t run with music. Yes, I admit I have, but 92% of the time, I don’t. Why not? Well, for starters, I hate carrying my iPod or using a strap on my arm. It’s annoying, gets in the way, and I always am worried I’m going to ruin it somehow while outside. Secondly, and most important, is I’d rather use my runs as times where my mind wanders and reflects. Take in the scenery. Play out a scenario in my mind.

I daydream. Often about an upcoming trip, things I have to get done that evening, a past event…Sometimes about nothing in particular. Lots of times I daydream and think about my dad and past memories. I reach that ‘runner’s high’ and fall into a trance where I don’t realize where I am, my body involuntarily moving and turning as needed on a route. I don’t need my iPod as my fuel, as my motivation tool. I don’t need a playlist of my favorite music. My personal playlist is my mind and memories.

I may not use music when I run, but my dad chose to use a classy-looking headset!